Haven Academy...

After Qrow and Dante left with the teenagers, Leonardo was left in his office, his face in his hands with a stressed out and anxious look on his face. The door to his office began to open as Arthur Watts walked in, his hands behind his back.

Watts: "Are we ready?" The Headmaster looked at the man in question as he approached his desk. While he began to look to the side, the former Atlesian merely smirked.

A few minutes went by and Leonardo led Watts down a secluded path in the Academy, towards a small room that was dimly lit, and housed a singular Seer Grimm.

Watts: "After you." He lightly shoved the Headmaster forwards towards the Grimm, the man shuttering a bit before he stopped right in front of the Seer.

Leonardo: "Your Grace, are you there?"

There was silence for a brief moment, before within the orb-like head of the Grimm, a white swirl appeared, quickly forming into a projection of not only Salem, but also Cinder and Kuroka, who were all within the Evernight Castle.

Salem: "Hello, Leonardo. Do you have something to report?"

Leonardo: "Of course, ma'am. I would not waste your time, if not." He said as Watts approached the Seer Grimm.

Watts: "I'm still just so fascinated by this creature. Cinder, dear, are, are we coming through? Can you see us clearly? Well, as clearly as you can." The woman in question narrowed her only exposed eyes, with a hand on her hip.

Cinder: "Shut up."

Watts: "Oh good, you've recovered." he sarcastically said.

Salem: "Your report. What is it?" The former Atlesian stepped out of the way, allowing Leonardo to continue.

Leonardo: "I've... I've found the Spring Maiden."

Salem: "Is that so? Well done... Arthur. Had I known how useful you'd be in expediting this process, I would've sent you long, long ago."

Watts: "As much as I'd love to take credit, ma'am, I can't say that either of us are to thank for this development. I guess you could say a little birdie told us." Kuroka tilted her head in confusion from this.

Salem: "Explain."

Leonardo: "You see, ma'am, Dante Sparda and Qrow Branwen arrived at Haven Academy earlier today. They believe Spring has taken residence with their siblings' tribe."

Kuroka: "So they did manage to get the bird to a doctor... Tyrian double failed then."

Cinder: "Is the girl and that damn wolf with them?"

Watts: "Yes, Miss Rose was in attendance. As for the Wolf, Miss Setsuna was there. Akito Zara however, was not. That's if he's even still alive."

Kuroka: "Are you suggesting that the Mistress was wrong about her own son's status?"

Watts: "O-Of course not. I just find it... difficult to believe that he'd survive for this long with that many severe wounds. N-No offense, your Grace."

Salem: "None taken. But I am certain my beloved Son is out there... I can feel his life force. But my son's status aside, you know of the tribe's location, correct?"

Leonardo: "Yes, ma'am! But you have to hurry! Qrow and Dante's already at odds with my-" He wasn't even given the chance to finish his sentence as a tendril from the Seer Grimm suddenly lashed out and wrapped tightly around his throat, forcing him onto his knees and into a state of panic.

Salem: "Leonardo, do you remember the first time we met? I remember. I remember your fear. But, since that day, you've been extraordinarily brave. I won't forget all that you've done for me." She spoke as the Seer raised a second tendril, inching its sharp, blade-like end at his face. "Do not forget everything I can do to you."

(POV Switch to Salem, Cinder and Kuroka)

With that threat, she commanded the Seer to release him, causing the terrified Headmaster to gasp for air. Salem then began to formulate her plan to obtain the Spring Maiden.

Salem: "Cinder, you and your team will meet with Dr. Watts and together, convince Raven Branwen and Vergil Sparda that the survival of their people depends on their cooperation. Oh and take Kuroka with you too." The black-haired Wolf girl's eyes sparkled briefly before she nodded and, her tail wagging back and forth while Cinder just sighed but reluctantly nodded.

Kuroka: "Yes Mistress!"

Cinder: "Understood, your Grace."

Salem: "Once you have Spring under control, escort her to the Relic and contact Hazel. The White Fang was promised the destruction of Haven and they'll have it once we have what we need."

Watts: "Understood."

Salem: "Not you, Arthur. Tyrian's in need of a new tail."

Watts: "What happened to his old one?"

Cinder: "Guess."

Kuroka: "Short, big scythe, has a red cape on."

Watts: "The Silver-Eyed girl?" A small grin came to his face as Cinder just narrowed her eyes and let out a grunt, which confirmed his question. "It will be done." he confirmed with a light bow.

Salem: "Good." She ended the conversation as her projection disappeared from the Seer Grimm. She then looked towards Cinder who was facing the window, noticing that she seemed like she had something to say. "You're free to speak your mind."

Cinder: "... I don't understand. Working with bandits?" She turned to face her. "Keeping Ruby alive? What's the point? We're strong enough to take what we want by force!"

Kuroka: "I would also like to know. We have a Gundam, a Maiden, me and of course, you Mistress, so why do we not head there ourselves and get what we're after?" The albino woman lets out a small hum before she responded.

Salem: "Never underestimate the usefulness of others." She said as she began to gently rub the black-haired wolf's head between her ears, causing her to start nuzzling into her hand while her tail wagged around. "Take Leonardo. He was one of Ozpin's most trusted and yet now..." She trailed off with a small chuckle. "You will have the power I promised you when the time is right, Cinder. But remember that it comes with a cost. If Ruby Rose has learned to harness her gift and if my son learns to harness the abilities he inherited from me, then you must take care to protect yours. There's only so much I can do to aid you."

Cinder briefly looked away before she gave a bow towards her.

Cinder: "Kuroka."

Kuroka: "Hai, hai~" She stood up and made a small bow towards Salem before the two began to take their leave. Before they could leave however, Salem had one more thing to say.

Salem: "Cinder, Kuroka." The two stopped and looked back at her. "Before you two go, inform Tyrian that I wish to have a 'word' with him." She said, narrowing her eyes as a more than displeased expression crossed her face. While Kuroka was slightly disturbed for a brief moment, Cinder just smirked and nodded before her and Kuroka took their leave. A small sigh left Salem's mouth as she looked up at the ceiling, before reaching into her bosom, pulling out a silver locket attached to a necklace. The locket opened up, revealing a small picture of her, and what looked like Akito, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Salem: "My dear children... One day, I promise... One day we will be reunited."

Lake Matsu...
Anima...

An Atlesian Cargo ship flew overhead over the massive body of water, carrying its 'secretive cargo' towards the mainland. In the upper part of the cargo hold, Akira sat on one of the cargo crates, all the while staring out of one of the windows, admiring the scenery as multiple thoughts flooded his mind. He was subconscious rubbing his left wrist, where the wrist band was originally before Weiss promptly ripped it off. He could imagine how the General was reacting to noticing that not only was he missing, but he couldn't track him anymore. To Akira, what Weiss did was reckless, stupid and selfish... well that was what he'd originally thought if he was his old self.

Weiss: "So, how much farther?" Hearing the Ex-Heiress' voice caused the black-haired male to turn his head and look towards the cockpit, where she currently was with the pilot.

Pilot: "We're in the home stretch now. No more stops from here to Mistral. Sorry for the long trip. Lots of air traffic around northern Anima."

Weiss: "It's fine. I just hope we haven't been a burden." At this, the pilot chuckled in slight amusement.

Pilot: "You, your boyfriend and your money are more than welcome on this ship, kid." At that sudden statement, Akira blinked as Weiss' face went red, with her instantly stammering over her words a bit.

Weiss: "H-H-He's not my boyfriend! Just a very good friend, that's all." She stated quickly while looking away and crossing her arms. The man at the helm just chuckled and shook his head. However, the mood would suddenly change as there was loud static coming from the radio, catching everyone's attention.

Pilot: "What the?" He messed with the Radio's frequency as Akira stood up and walked into the cockpit. He shared a look with Weiss before they both looked back towards the pilot.

Akira: "What's going on?"

Pilot: "I don't know. We're still over Lake Matsu. Shouldn't be picking up broadcasts this far from Mistral. Someone must be close." Just then, a female pilot's voice was heard shouting from the radio, in a frantic tone as there sounded to be a lot of chaos in the background.

Female Pilot: "Mayday, mayday! We are a small passenger flight, and our Huntress is down. We aren't equipped to deal with this!"

Pilot: "Oh man." Weiss gained a look of sheer worry as she looked at Akira, the raven-haired male narrowing his eyes.

Female Pilot: "The Grimm hit us 400 clicks north of the southern shoreline." What followed after was a loud explosion, along with sudden cries of surprise. Weiss gasped in horror as she stepped back slightly, with her instinctively shifting herself closer to Akira and held onto his arm. "Get 'em off us! If anyone can hear this-" There was another loud explosion before the pilot turned the Radio's frequency down, silencing it as he soon then began to divert the ship's path away.

Weiss: "We're going to help them, right?"

Pilot: "What? No, I'm trying to avoid them." The Ex-Heiress' expression widened while Akira slowly looked down, his hair bangs covering his eyes, casting a shadow over them.

Weiss: "But... they'll die..."

Pilot: "Look, if we picked up their transmission, I'm sure someone else did, too. Besides, this is a cargo ship. She's not much good in a fight. I just wanna finish this job and get home. Sorry, kid. My ship, my rules."

Akira: "He's right, Weiss. We should try to avoid getting into an air battle as much as possible." The white-haired girl looked at him, a bit surprised by his words.

Weiss: "But, Akira-"

Akira: "I know..." He cut her off as he took in a deep breath, choosing the right words to say. "I know, you want to save them and believe me, I'd love to do that as well. But... as we are, we're not equipped to deal with flying Grimm, especially in a boxy ship like this one. We can't save everyone, Weiss." He said as he turned around and slightly pulled away from her, breaking her grip on his arm. He began to walk back into the cargo hold, but mumbled one last thing to her.

"Believe me... I would know."

His tone sounded surprisingly somber as he left her alone in the cockpit with the Pilot. Weiss watched him go in a stunned yet concerned silence, with her looking down at her feet briefly before she quietly sighed to herself.

>Chapter 42: Dread in the Air<

Belladonna Residence...
Menagerie...

Ghira: "Unbelievable!"

Sun: "Total garbage!"

The two suddenly burst through the front doors, their expressions filled with frustration as Kali silently watched, before they both converged in the center and looked at each other.

Ghira and Sun: "We can't let them get away with this!"

Kali: "Well, at least you two can finally agree on something." Hearing her voice, the two glanced at her, then at each other silently, with the monkey Faunus soon letting out a slightly nervous chuckle while scratching the back of his head.

Blake: "Guys." Everyone turned to see her enter the house, with a reassuring smile. "Everything is going to be okay."

While her voice was enough to lower the tension in the room, it didn't seem to work much on the Wolf Faunus entering the house. Silently, Akito Zara walked past his girlfriend and the others, heading into the house, a faint glow of burning embers emitting from his wolf ears. All Blake did was just sigh sadly.

Kali: "So..." The amber-eyed girl glanced at her mother. "Was he ALWAYS able to do... whatever that is?" It was clear what she was talking about. Ever since their first encounter with the Albain brothers, the Magic Akito had inherited from his father began to show itself more, seemingly reacting to his emotions and level of tension. Of course, no one aside from him really knew or understood what all of that was, but no one thought to ask him since he seemed to be heavily on edge.

Blake: "I... don't know. I know whatever it is isn't his Semblance though. But right now, isn't the time to pry about it. We have something to take care of, and Akito... needs time. I know when he's ready, he'll tell us about it."

Did she perhaps have too much faith in him? Others would say so, but for Blake? No. Especially after the talk her and Akito had that night, she wanted to fully put her trust and faith in others now. Akito was always the rock she needed whenever things didn't go her way, and now she knew it was his turn. Knowing that he lost all 4 of his sisters, his arm and the fact that Mio is still with the White Fang was obviously putting a lot of stress on him. So just like he was there for her when she needed it, she'll be there for him, ready and waiting for the moment he's ready to open up. She loved that dumb wolfie of hers after all.

Deciding to keep his distance from the others, Akito took to one of the many balconies of the Belladonna Residence. Sliding the door open, he was greeted to one of the many guards that patrolled the area-a young woman.

Guard: "Good evening, Mr. Zara. Can I get you anything?" A semi-forced smile crept up onto the Wolf Faunus' lips as he shook his head gently.

Akito: "Just some time alone, if you wouldn't mind."

Guard: "Sure thing. Just call if you need me."

Akito: "I'll keep that in mind."

With a small bow, the guard reentered the house, sliding the door shut behind her. Akito's smile faded as he looked back up into the starless night sky. As he slowly closed his working eye, he could see them... Four precious and smiling faces, each one radiating with a sisterly love. A heavy sigh left him as he raised his trembling right arm and gently grasped where his left arm should have been. The unoccupied sleeve hung their limply, as a cold reminder of how he wasn't whole again-all of this was a cold and brutal reminder of what she took away from him. Before he could fully think about things however, he'd be interrupted by sudden shuffling on his left, followed by a familiar voice.

Ilia: "Your girlfriend needs better security." His right eye shot open, glowing a dangerous, blood red color as he activated Alpha and pointed its muzzle straight at the intruder-Ilia crouched on the railing of the balcony, with her hands up in defense. "Please! I-I just need to talk."

Sensing no malice or bloodlust in her tone, he slowly lowered his aim, but kept his semi-glowing red eye fully trained on her.

Akito: "Why are you taking the fall for them, Ilia? Do you think you're being some kind of hero?"

Ilia: "Akito."

Akito: "Those sly bastards blamed you. We confronted them tonight and they denied knowing anything and everything that we found on your scroll. Talked about how 'disappointed' they were to hear you'd side with Adam. But the two of us know they're the guilty ones."

Ilia: "You can't prove anything." The wolf Faunus just scoffed and shook his head.

Akito: "Maybe so, but it is enough to sway the Faunus here. When we go public tomorrow, they're not gonna stand for any of it, and neither should you." The chameleon Faunus seemed hesitant, by how she seemed to tense up a bit. "The mere fact that you're here now, talking to me, shows that you don't want this either. We may have never seen eye to eye, but I can tell a good soul apart from a bad one."

Slowly, Ilia removed her mask, revealing the sad expression she held.

Ilia: "Your plan isn't going to work, Akito... Please..." she literally begged as she stared at him. "Just take Blake and leave Menagerie before it's too late." There was a brief moment of silence as the two had a bit of a standoff, with Akito giving his response as he narrowed his eye.

Akito: "You'll have to drag me out, kicking and screaming." That was exactly what she expected to hear. She knew him after all, knew his demeanor, which just saddened her even more.

Ilia: "I know."

With that, she re-equipped her mask and jumped down from the balcony, disappearing into the night. Akito turned around, clutching onto where his left shoulder should be, while gritting his teeth before taking in a deep breath. His frustrated expression became one that seemed to be a little bit sad. Even though the two of them constantly bickered and fought with each other back in the day, Akito still saw her as a friend, a companion. And now they were on opposite sides.

Akito: "Fuck..." he swore as he slowly looked up at the shattered moon, and then down at the cracked Gundam core of the Exia that hung around his neck. "Girls... if you were here... what would you have done..."

Lake Matsu...
Anima...

Things had become relatively quiet since the radio briefing. Weiss' mood had seemed to take a slight turn as she sat on her weapon case. She was filled with regret for not being able to help out those in need, but at the same time, Akira did have a point. She wasn't a god after all. She couldn't save everyone, even if she wanted to. Besides, she realized that she'd have a much better chance saving as many people as she can when she can land in Mistral and hopefully meet up with her elder sister.

Weiss then turned her attention to the male that was traveling with her. Akira's eyes were closed yet again as he sat down on a crate, his head leaning against the glass as he seemed to be in a peaceful slumber. As the ex-heiress continued to stare silently at him, her curiosity began to take over. Hopping off of her weapon case, she began to quietly approach the black-haired male, her face displaying innocent curiosity. She stood directly in front of him, her face mere inches from his as her icy blue eyes studied his facial features.

Weiss' thoughts: "When I look at him this closely... he's actually kinda cute." She thought, her hand gently brushing against his hair bangs, gently pushing them aside to allow her a better sight of his face. "Really... cute..." Her eyes would then trail lower as she looked at his unmoving lips. "... And his lips... look really soft... He... really is my type..."

Weiss didn't fully understand what was happening to her, but all she knew was that an unknown force was drawing her more towards the raven-haired male. The more she stared at him, and at his lips, the more she wanted to... indulge herself a little. However...

Akira: "What are you doing?"

Weiss: "Eep!" She squeaked suddenly in surprise, her eyes widening instantly as she realized Akira had awakened, and was staring at her with a raised eyebrow. It only took a few more seconds for the Ex-Heiress to realize that their faces were barely inches apart now, triggering a strong blush to coat her cheeks. "N-Nothing!"

With a yelp, she pulled back, while looking off to the side as she casually brushed down the front of her skirt. Akira merely blinked and slowly tilted his head to one side before he just shrugged and looked back out of the window. Weiss would continue to steal glances at him, but the more she did, the more embarrassed she'd get.

Weiss' thoughts: "Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! What would have happened if I kissed him right there!? Weiss you're such a helpless dolt!" She mentally berated herself but soon released a long sigh as she hunched forwards slightly. Akira glanced at her, looking a bit confused by her demeanor as the white-haired girl took a seat beside him, all the while staring at her palms which rested in her lap.

Akira's thoughts: "What's with her...? Women are strange..."

The silence would soon return as neither really made any attempt to strike up a conversation with each other, mainly because Akira didn't really know what to talk about, and Weiss... Well, she was too embarrassed to even look at him at the moment. So they were back to this awkward silence. A minute or two would go by and Weiss seemed to have regained her composure as she then looked back at Akira, the blue-eyed male still staring out at the endless ocean beneath them through the window. As she watched him, she remembered the words he spoke to her earlier...

"Believe me... I would know."

She wondered what he meant by that. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more she realized how little she knew about Akira. He always had that mysterious aura around him, but she felt like she knew practically zero about him, but it did get her curious on what his backstory was and why General Ironwood had to keep that tracker on him. Seeing as nothing else was happening at the moment, she felt as if now was the time.

Weiss: "Hey, Akira?"

Akira: "Yeah?" He answered, but didn't look at her.

Weiss: "If you don't mind me asking..." She briefly tapped her fingers together. "Who... exactly are you?" The question caused the raven-haired male to briefly freeze but slowly turn his head to look at her.

Akira: "In... what way, exactly?"

Weiss: "How do I put this..." She thought for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "I only know you as Yasusada Akira, member of Team MYLC from Atlas Academy. But... I don't know who you exactly are. I know nothing about you, your background, your family, anything really." Akira fell silent as he slowly looked down into his lap, his hair bangs covering his eyes briefly. Weiss saw this and figured that it might have been too personal of a topic for him, so she instantly began to backtrack her statement. "I-I'm sorry. It's probably too personal for you. I don't mean to pry."

Akira: "No, you're fine, Weiss." He answered, while shaking his head. "It's just... there's so much..."

Weiss: "Well, we have this entire flight." He looked at her, only to see the Ex-Heiress smiling at him. It made him rethink a few things before he just sighed and nodded.

Akira: "Alright, I'll tell you everything I remember. Just a small warning, you may look at me negatively after all of this." Weiss raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Weiss: "Why would I ever look at you negatively?"

Akira: "Listen and you'll find out."

While Weiss was still a bit skeptical about that, she did as she was told and began to listen attentively as Akira began to recount his past to her.

Akira: "How should I start... Well, I guess I'll start with my family's lineage." He looked out of the window. "You see, I come from a family that predates modern times, back in the ancient times of Remnant, back when... the Gods were still around."

Weiss: "The Gods...?" She questioned, tilting her head in confusion.

Akira: "Twin Gods that were the creators of all that inhabit this planet. The elder brother, The God of Light specialized in creating life and restoring it. While the younger brother, The God of Darkness specialized in destroying and erasing all forms of life. They were perfect opposites, the yin and yang. They helped maintain the balance of life and death in the world. However despite that, as you could expect, they had... various different views on how to do things. The Gods had many different followers, but by far the most well known, was a specific clan, who would dedicate every generation into worshiping and praising these Gods. The Yasusada Clan." He paused for a brief moment, letting Weiss take in this information for a brief moment before he continued and looked at her. "Before I continue, I should tell you about how Humans were back in the day."

Weiss: "You mean things were different?"

Akira: "Much different. From what I've been told, Faunus never existed back in ancient times." A surprised gasp came from Weiss upon this revelation. "And on top of that, Humans were... let's just say, a lot stronger back then. Instead of Aura, Semblances and Dust, Humans were given the ability simply known as Magic."

Weiss: "Y-You're kidding right? Magic existed in Remnant??"

Akira: "And it still does, though in much smaller quantities."

Weiss: "No way..." She quickly shook her head, refusing to believe something as far fetched as Magic. "There's no way Magic exists. You have to be pulling my leg!" Akira remained silent. He honestly couldn't blame Weiss. It was a lot to take in, and even when he was first told all of this, he didn't believe it.

Akira: "What if I told you that you've witnessed three individuals that already have access to this Magic?" The Ex-Heiress froze, her expression becoming a bit alarmed at the mere thought that she met not one, not two but THREE people in this world that all have access to some Magic.

Weiss: "I-I have...?" Akira merely nodded as he began to count on his fingers.

Akira: "The first was Professor Ozpin himself." Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth left agape but words failed to come out as she was just speechless. "The second was Cinder Fall and the third... well, you're looking at him." Weiss' silence was loud and very telling.

Weiss: "Y-You...?"

Akira: "Yep." He nodded as he raised a hand before in the center of his palm, multiple colorful spheres of energy materialized and floated in his palm. "This right here is Magic."

Weiss was beyond surprised. She already was aware of what Akira's Semblance was, it was Cryokinesis, a simple Semblance, but never had she ever witnessed him perform such a feat like this. Letting her curiosity get the better of her, Weiss slowly reached a hand out to the magic spheres in Akira's hand, as the light blue one floated into her palm. She stared at it, completely in awe as its light slowly dimmed before it vanished, along with the others.

Weiss: "Magic... is real..."

Akira: "Hard to believe, I know. I was the same before I saw the proof first hand. Magic is like... if all Semblances in the world were combined into a singular power. With Magic, you can do anything, from controlling the elements, creating weather anomalies. Heck, you could use it to empower somethings like... for example, the Gundams. However, nowadays, Magic is very rare to come across. Only a few individuals, whether they're directly from the ancient times, had a lineage or were granted those powers directly today, have them. But that's enough about Magic, you're better off asking Ozpin about that. From my knowledge, he understands it better than anyone else does."

Weiss just stared in absolute awe at him before he continued.

Akira: "Back to what I was saying, my family bloodline was known for their high proficiency in magic. But something seemed to happen and now, magic is very finite in the world, along with my clan. I got most of my knowledge from my aunt but she didn't know everything, so my knowledge on what exactly happened is very limited. I lived in Mistral with my older cousin, Yomihime for a long while, but..." He seemed to hesitate for a moment, with the Ex-Heiress taking notice of this. "Let's just say, something happened to her that... changed me." It seemed she instantly picked up on what he meant as her eyes widened, then soon her expression turned to one of grief.

Weiss: "I'm... so sorry..."

Akira: "Don't apologize. It fucking hurts, for sure... but, I won't let it bring me down."

Weiss: "But, how did you end up in Atlas and with the General having a tracker on you?"

Akira: "Well... to spare you the graphic details, the General found me when I was in the middle of... a rampage, after learning of what happened to Yomihime..." her eyes widened out of shock. "It was an understandable reaction on his part... I wouldn't trust myself either. Not after everything I've done... all the people I've hurt, both directly and indirectly."

Weiss was silent. She didn't know what she could say to comfort him. Even after all he told her, she still felt like there were some things he was keeping from her. It was probably some very sensitive information and she was fine with no being told about it, but that didn't help her in trying to comfort the male in some way. Akira could tell that the once, Heiress of the Schnee Dust Company had gone into deep thought and shook his head.

Akira: "It's fine. You don't have to say anything to-" However, he'd be cut off as he felt a sudden weight on his left shoulder, along with a pair of slender arms wrapping around his waist. He blinked in surprise and slowly glanced to his left, spotting that mess of white hair resting on his shoulder. "Uh... what are you...?"

Weiss: "I... I don't know what I can say to comfort you, so I'm giving you a hug! D-Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to justify the things you did and tell you it'll be alright... It just... looks like you needed a hug..." she mumbled the last part, but Akira could hear it loud and clear.

He was surprised. Did he really look that sad? He had a pretty good poker face down to mask his emotions, though Maya would somehow be able to see right through his mask but now it seemed like Weiss could? Either way... her embrace did feel nice. Despite her reputation as the infamous 'ice queen', her embrace was really soft... and caring, a feeling he didn't expect to experience... yet he didn't turn her away. He just slowly leaned into her embrace and closed his eyes. There were no more words exchanged, just a peaceful, contemptuous silence.

Some time had gone by and Weiss still remained in her same spot, sitting next to Akira, with her arms wrapped around him in a caring embrace. They had sat there in a comfortable silence for a while, until something caught the Ex-Heiress' eyes.

Weiss: "Woah..." Akira raised an eyebrow, but followed her gaze to the window on their right, only for him to see what had caught her attention-floating islands, with large Gravity Dust chunks in them. With her curiosity getting the better of her, Weiss got up and began to head towards the cockpit, with Akira watching for a bit before he shrugged and stretched his arms before following after her. "Where are we?" She asked the pilot.

Pilot: "Nowhere good. Passing by some of Lake Matsu's floating islands. The Gravity Dust that forms in these things is giving us a little turbulence. Nothing I can't handle, but the islands sometimes hide some nasty Grimm. I'm just betting on our friends in distress keeping them preoccupied."

Just as he said this however, Akira turned to look at his right, only for his eyes to widen as there was a flaming Mistralian Ship heading straight for them.

Akira: "Watch out! Starboard side!" he warned, as both Weiss and the Pilot immediately looked, the former gasping in shock. Gritting his teeth, the Pilot steered the ship out of the way, avoiding the collision as the Mistralian Ship slammed into one of the many floating islands, turning into a small fireball cloud.

Pilot: "You've got to be kidding me!" He quickly turned the distress radio back on.

Female Pilot: "By the gods, we've lost Percy! Help!"

Akira: "Over there!" Quickly following his pointing, they spotted a second Ship flying desperately between the floating islands, with many Wasp-like Grimm named Lancers in hot pursuit.

However, the Mistralian Ship wouldn't have a chance to get away as the Lancers all surrounded it like an angry swarm of wasps, and shot out their stingers, spearing the ship's wooden hull, holding it in place.

Female Pilot: "We're hooked! We're hooked!" The Lancer's hold on the ship was so great that the sheer force of their pull was enough to start ripping the entire ship in half as its hull began to splinter and break apart. "Everyone, abandon ship!"

However, none of them would even be given the chance as a single Lander dive bombed the ship at top speed, crashing into its hull and ripping it apart, causing an explosion. With their target destroyed, the swarm of Wasp-like Grimm then turned their attention to the sole Atlesian Cargo Ship trying to sneak by and instantly flew towards it.

Pilot: "Lances, freakin' Lancers!" He cursed under his breath as he prepared the ship to kick into top gear. "Alright, buckle up you two." He looked back, only to catch a brief glimpse of Weiss and Akira hopping into the cargo hold. He stared in shock before activating the ship's internal comm system. "What are you two doing!?"

Weiss: "What we should have done in the first place!" She exclaimed, grabbing Myrtenaster. Akira reached for Harvester as the ominous scythe took shape.

Akira: "You're carrying Dust?"

Pilot: "Officially, no. Actually, yes." With a smile, Weiss turned to her case carrying many Dust cartridges and began to load up Myrtenaster.

Weiss: "Then when we tell you, open the rear door!" After loading up Myrtenaster's revolving drum, she then turned to look at Akira, seeing him fidget with what looked like a Dust revolver in his left hand. Where he got it from, she didn't know, but all she knew is that it looked like he was skeptical of using it. "Never used a gun before?" She teased as the raven-haired male rolled his eyes.

Akira: "Guns were never my style. But it's better than nothing."

The ship suddenly jolted a bit as it made a sharp turn, causing the two to stumble to one side.

Pilot: "Better make it quick!" The ship was trying all it could to get away, taking sharp turns between the islands and even diving down to the water, coasting along the surface at top speed before lifting up again, but the Lancers were right on its stern, repeatedly attempting to hook onto the ship by launching their stingers at it. "Kids, we're cutting it close!"

After regaining her footing, Weiss created two Gravity Glyphs, one underneath herself and one under Akira, who had his hand covering his mouth in an attempt to hold in whatever he had, to keep them steady, no matter what maneuver the ship pulled off. They both looked at each other and with a collective nod, both yelled,

Weiss and Akira: "Ready!"

https://youtu.be/TiWF_vmJyiI

(Play OST)

On cue, the cargo door of the ship opened, sending a raging gust of wind into the teens' faces, along with the sight of the Swarm of angry Lancers chasing them. One of said Lancers, launched its stinger in an attempt to hook onto the inside, only for Weiss to create a small Glyph and shoot out a gust of Wind Dust, pushing them back a bit. She then switched to Fire Dust and began to fire off multiple fireballs. While some missed, others managed to hit their targets.

Akira looked at this before he narrowed his eyes and began to aim the Dust Revolver. He gritted his teeth and pulled the trigger, shooting out a Gravity Dust shot that promptly missed. A scoff came from him, with him silently damning his shitty aim, before he resorted to another method. The drum rotated to a different element as he aimed at one of the Islands they were passing. Pressing the trigger, he fired off a Fire Dust Shot, striking the Island and breaking off a chunk of it, causing a rock to fall off and smash into one of the chasing Lancers.

Feeling a certain gaze on him, Akira sighed and glanced at the guilty culprit.

Akira: "You try shooting while flying at top speed all the while having shit aim and motion sickness! It's not fucking fun!" All Weiss did was just giggle and keep up her attack. "Yeah, yeah laugh all you want." he rolled his eyes.

A laugh of excitement came from the pilot as he began to feel more hopeful about their situation.

Pilot: "Hold on!"

Akira: "Oh son of a-" He would be able to finish his sentence as the ship quite literally made a full sharp 180 degree turn. Akira just growed out of displeasure, but held back his urge to throw up from all of this intense flying and focused on their survival. Firing a couple of stray shots out with the hopes of hitting their mark, he immediately followed up after by swinging Harvester horizontally, his Semblance's Icy effects coating its blade and sending out an icy arc that sliced through three Lancers.

Weiss followed up with a series of multiple Glyphs, all of which firing out bright blue beams of energy, striking down any Lancer that got too close. However, there would be a sudden thud that shook the entire ship.

Weiss: "What was that!?"

Pilot: "We're hooked!" On the roof of the ship, two Lancers had hooked themselves and mounted the top of the Ship, ready to tear it apart. However, Akira wouldn't allow that to happen as he glanced at Weiss.

Akira: "I'll deal with them."

Weiss: "Be careful." With a small nod, Akira leaped out of the ship, only to use a Gravity Dust Shot from his revolver to boost him back up, allowing him to land on top of the ship. The moment the two Lancers spotted him, they tried to attack him, but unfortunately for them, they picked the wrong opponent.

As the first one got close, Akira twirled Harvester in his right hand, swinging it upwards, the blunt end of the scythe hitting the Lancer in the jaw before he rotated his wrist and swung, slicing the Lancer in two. The other one quite literally leaped at him, only for it to be met with the barrel of his Revolver to the face. Knowing he couldn't miss at this close of a range, Akira confidently pressed the trigger, putting an Earth Dust bullet through its skull.

Akira: "Targets eliminated."

Pilot: "Haha! Good job up there kid!"

Weiss: "Can you find a pair of islands we can fit between?"

Akira: "I already see a pair, dead ahead!"

Pilot: "You two are reading my mind!" He gleefully exclaimed as he aimed the ship towards the two Islands Akira spotted.

Meanwhile, the black-haired male was trying to get back into the ship as he slightly stumbled his way towards the back. Looking over, he became a bit relieved to see a Black Gravity Glyph waiting for him. Quickly, he swung his way down onto it and then leaped back into the ship, where Weiss caught him by his arm.

Weiss: "You okay?" She asked, watching him try to catch his breath before slightly gagging but holding it back.

Akira: "Just fucking dandy... I'll complain after we're done with this." Weiss couldn't help but lightly chuckle at this and pat him on his back before glaring back at the remaining Lancers.

As she began to prepare herself, the Pilot took the Cargo Ship between the two massive islands, all the while still dodging any hooking attempts by the Lancers. With a yell, she created three Glyphs that all fired out multiple Fireballs that struck the sides of the islands, breaking off multiple chunks that began to fall. The ship accelerated quickly to outrun them as the falling rocks covered its patch, taking down the last remaining Lancers. With the last of the Lancers finally defeated, the Ship triumphantly flew out from the pair of Islands.

Pilot: "Yeah! Great going, kids! We are in the clear!"

A sigh of relief came from the raven-haired male, but before he could process things, Weiss suddenly lunged into him and hugged him tightly, holding the biggest and happiest smile she's ever worn on her face.

Weiss: "We did it!"

Akira: "A-Ahh too fucking tight, Weiss..." He struggled to get out, feeling his lungs being cut off from the Ex-Heiress' tight embrace.

Weiss: "O-Oh! S-Sorry...!" She quickly ended the surprise embrace with a blush coating her cheeks as she rubbed her weapon-holding hand.

However, before anything else could be said, loud buzzing was heard. As the two slowly turned to look at the culprit, they were both mortified to see that the fight was not over yet, as now chasing them, was a much bigger Lancer known as...

Weiss: "It's a Queen Lancer!"

Pilot: "What!?"

Akira: "Whatever you do, don't slow down!"

Following the instruction without question, the pilot retained the ship's top speed as Weiss began firing off multiple lasers at the Queen Lancer, however, the massive Queen, which seemed to be the size of the ship itself, just tanked it all like it was nothing. It then retaliated by launching many different spikes from its two protruding 'barrels' on either side of its face, all of which were aiming for Weiss. Before any could hit however, Akira quickly moved in front and spun his scythe around rapidly, deflecting them all. As the Queen Lancer kept up its attack however, some of its spikes would end up striking the ship's hull, embedding themselves into the sides, the wings and worse of all, hitting the main engine.

Pilot: "Do something!"

As Akira was focused on deflecting as many of the Queen Lancer's attacks as possible, Weiss looked around for a solution, before remembering that the whole cargo hold was filled with Dust.

Weiss: "Akira! The Dust!"

Akira: "Huh?" he looked at her, then at the many Dust containers before understanding and nodding. "Got it!"

With a collective nod and a white Glyph created by Weiss, the two teens leaped over the Dust containers, with Akira's scythe ripping off the restraints holding them in place. Weiss then followed up by using many of her Glyphs to lift them all up before with a determined yell, she sent them all flying at the Queen Lancer. Akira then followed up by aiming his Dust Revolver at one of the containers, gritting his teeth and slowing his breathing down. He couldn't miss this one. He couldn't afford to after all. Their lives were on the line.

With a press of his weapon's trigger, the Dust Revolver fired off a single Fire Dust bullet that flew straight to its target and struck, igniting the Dust and causing a chain reaction of multiple Dust explosions, completely engulfing the Queen Lancer. However, despite that, it was still flying just fine and seemed even angrier now.

Akira: "Tch... Durable bastard!"

Pilot: "I can see the shoreline! Gods, we're not gonna make it!"

Akira: "We have to! We've come too far to fail now!" He yelled as Harvester seemed to have reacted to his will to survive, the scythe itself becoming coated in a ghostly green aura. Weiss noticed this but had no time to address it as the young man turned to her, but she noticed something different about him. His eyes were glowing green, the same as his scythe. "I'll end this in one strike. Pull up, now!"

Weiss: "What are you doing, Akira!?" She yelped as he pushed her back a bit, as the ship began to pull up, until they were both on the roof. He looked at the Heiress as she began to get up, with a Gravity Glyph keeping both her and him steady.

Akira: "Keeping you alive." He didn't wait for a response from her, as he dashed towards the opening and leaped out without any hesitation, the Heiress' eyes widened in shock and horror.

Weiss: "AKIRA!"

With her yells ringing in his ear, Akira steeled himself and dove down towards the Queen Lancer at top speeds, as the Ship completed its loop. The pilot watched in shock as Harvester's scythe blade glowed brightly, Akira's eyes also glowing the same color as he gritted his teeth, an aggressive expression plastered on his face. He and the Lancer got closer and closer before... there was a bright flash of light. A bright green and blue flash, followed by an explosion of Icicles, one of which striking the Ship's wing and causing it to smoke and quickly lose altitude.

Weiss was in the cargo hold, her eyes clenched tightly as she held Myrtenaster close to her, as if she was focusing. From the smoke, a glowing White Figure stood on a white Glyph-the Arma Gigas that she had summoned prior to leaving Atlas, with the one half of the Queen Lancer impaled on its sword, slowly disintegrating, while in its free hand, was an unconscious Akira, with Harvester briefly glowing before collapsing back into itself. As the ship was about to pass underneath it, the Arma Gigas dropped Akira just as it disappeared. The young teen fell helplessly, only to be caught by a white Glyph and shot back into the ship, straight into Weiss' arms as the two of them tumbled into the back.

She didn't care though, she just hugged him tightly, with tears falling down her eyes.

Wiess: "You... reckless idiot..." She mumbled to herself as the ship began to go down.

It was falling fast, too fast to make a somewhat safe landing. However, multiple Glyphs from Weiss would form in front of it, slowing it down gradually until finally, it touched down with a loud crash.

White Fang HQ...

Sienna: "Adam." The High Leader of the White Fang, Sienna Khan sat in her throne, glaring sternly down at the Bull Faunus kneeling before her. "I'm not going to repeat myself so I want you to listen when I tell you that the White Fang will not attack Haven Academy."

Adam: "High Leader Khan, I am begging you-"

Sienna: "You should beg for forgiveness and nothing else!" Adam fell silent and lowered his head. "The assault you led on Beacon was not the great victory you clearly think it was and you should be grateful your punishment wasn't more severe." From the sidelines, hiding behind one of the many large pillars, was Mio Zara, watching all of this with conflicted silence. "You are a symbol for many in our organization, but that doesn't make you infallible."

Adam: "I was merely trying to follow your example, High Leader."

Sienna: "And what example might that be?'

Adam: "Strength. Strength and unwavering conviction. The humans have seen that strength now." All the feline Faunus woman did was sigh and shake her head.

Sienna: "I was one of the first to suggest violence where violence was necessary. Peace bred complacency and acceptance of our place in the world. I will not allow humanity to push us down without pushing them back. But the destruction of the Huntsman Academies crosses a line!" She stated firmly while narrowing her eyes. "The loss of the CCT has brought global communication to a crawl! And the White Fang is more of a target now than ever before! You have justified humanity's campaign against us and for what? Empty promises from a group of humans? Humans we still know nothing about, aside from the fact that one of them took Akito's arm according to your report." Mio quietly gasped upon hearing that. "And they come and go as they please! They are not examples of strength, Adam. They are examples of your talents being diminished by shortsightedness!"

Adam remained silent, staring up at his High Leader before he began to speak again.

Adam: "If you want to know more about the humans then why not talk to one of them yourself?" The moment he said this, Mio's eyes widened as she realized who he meant. The Bull Faunus stood up and faced the large doors. "Hazel!" The doors opened, revealing the large brute of a man standing there.

Hazel: "Took you long enough." As he began to walk towards them, Sienna instantly stood up in alarm as the guards next to her aimed their weapons at Hazel.

Sienna: "What is this?"

Hazel: "Apologies." He spoke as he stopped next to Adam. "I don't aim to cause any trouble."

Sienna: "You've brought a human to this location?"

Adam: "You should hear what he has to say."

Sienna: "This is grounds for execution!"

Hazel: "Ma'am, please. Nobody needs to die today. I'm just asking for a moment of your time." he expressed his sincere intentions by taking a knee before the High Leader. However, being reluctant to trust humans as ever, Sienna was not having any of it.

Sienna: "The longer you stay here, the less of a chance you have of leaving here alive."

Hazel: "I'll take those chances, if you don't mind." Sienna remained silent, before deciding to give the man a slither of a chance. She sat back down on her throne, crossing one leg over the other as her guards lowered their stances. Hazel began to stand up. "You don't like me. You have no reason to like me. But you don't have to like me to get the results you want."

Sienna: "I'm starting to doubt either of you fully comprehend what it is that I want. I want humanity to fear the Faunus, to know that we demand respect! I do not want to start a war with the humans that we cannot win!"

Adam: "That's where you're wrong." He interjected, with a growing grin. The woman raised an eyebrow while Hazel even looked a bit confused and looked at Adam, who began to gradually approach the throne, which began to set off alarm bells in Mio's head as her ears perked up instantly. "We can win a war against the humans. Not only because we have the support of Hazel's master, but because the Faunus are the dominant species of this planet. We're better than humans. We have everything humans have and more. Humans shouldn't just fear the Faunus, they should serve the Faunus."

Mio's thoughts: "Humans... serve the Faunus...? But... that... that isn't what we fight for... We fight for equality, not dominance...! Don't tell me he's going to..." it seemed like it finally hit her as her eyes widened in horror. "N-No...!"

Sienna seemed to just be tired and done with this as she sighed and shook her head dismissively.

Sienna: "I've had enough of this conversation for tonight. Guards, take them away." However, something unexpected happened. The guards stationed by her throne didn't listen. "I said, take them away!"

Adam: "I will admit, Sienna, you were right about my popularity. My followers in Vale already see me as the true High Leader. And many here in Mistral feel the same." The Feline woman tensed up and gripped the arm rests of her throne tightly, while gritting her teeth and glaring daggers at the Bull Faunus, before the doors to the room burst open and more Guards stormed in, their spears all aimed at her. She stood up, a look of shock on her face, as the four guards around her also turned their weapons on her and more Guards armed with firearms aimed at her.

Hazel: "What are you doing?"

Adam: "What's right for the Faunus. From this day forward, I will be the one to lead the White Fang." Sienna looked around at the situation she was in, silently clenching her fists, feeling a pain in her heart as she felt the betrayal.

Sienna: "I did everything in my power to raise you and this is how you repay me?"

Adam: "You were a good mother, I'll admit. To me, Akito, Setsuna and Mio. I won't forget your teachings, Sienna, but I think it's better for everyone that you finally retire as High Leader, peacefully."

Sienna: "Tch..."

She was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Sienna was completely surrounded, with no way out aside from one... To fight. She could very well die easily in a battle of one vs many, but if it meant a slither of a chance at her survival, she'd take it. Adam knew this too, as he was slowly reaching for his Wilt, ready to end it in one strike.

However, before anyone could make a move, the sound of thrusters were heard, followed by a couple of green beams striking the area around, shaking the room and sending dust in the air. As everyone began to quickly look for the culprit, Adam saw who it was.

Adam: "Mio..."

The Eclipse Gundam, quickly flew forwards, flying over Adam while shooting from both of its Jinrai Beam Rifles, striking down multiple guards, mainly aiming for the ones with the ranged weapons as she landed in front of Sienna.

Sienna: "Mio!?"

Mio (Eclipse): "I thought I could change you... I thought I really could, Adam! But now... I realized I was just a fool. Big bro was right about you." She said as she picked up Sienna in her arms and began flying in the air. "You are far beyond saving."

With those final words, she blasted a hole through the roof and flew out with the woman she called her mother in her arms. As everyone was regaining their bearings, the Guards were ready to give chase.

Guard: "After them!"

Adam: "Wait!" Everyone halted and looked at the Bull Faunus. He merely just smiled as he took his seat on the throne. "Stage a funeral. All who were here tonight will claim that Sienna was backstabbed and murdered by her trusted Mio Zara, who fled the White Fang. Sienna Khan will become a martyr for our cause, her final act as High Leader."

Guards: "Yes sir!"

The Guards began to disperse out of the room as Hazel silently watched, having a bad taste in his mouth. He slowly looked at Adam with a disapproving look.

Hazel: "When were you planning on telling me about that?"

Adam: "This was my business, not yours."

Hazel: "It's our business now and I don't appreciate you withholding things like that."

Adam: "Your master was concerned with Sienna's willingness to cooperate. Now she doesn't have to be and neither does Mio." Hazel just silently stared at him before turning around. As he began to make his leave, he relayed one final sentence to him.

Hazel: "That girl trusted you. Hope it was worth it." Adam remained silent and just leaned back into his throne, before he glanced up at the hole made in the roof. All he then did was mutter to himself,

Adam: "Weakling."

Crash Landing Site...

An injured and tired Weiss was slowly crawling over towards the unconscious Akira laying on the ground, as the smoking ship remained next to them. She slowly raised her hand to him, desperate to finally reach him.

Weiss: "A-Akira..." However, instead, two men would come into her vision, both with weapons in their hands. She looked up at them, with a pleading expression on her face. "H-Help, please..." The two men just shared a glance with each other.

Bandit 1: "What do you think?" Coming into the Ex-Heiress' line of vision, was none other than Raven Branwen, wearing an interested smirk on her face.

Raven: "I think... we just hit the jackpot." Weiss' eyes began to widen, as she realized what was happening. Before she could do anything about it however, Raven kicked her in the face, knocking her out cold. As she stared down at the Ex-Heiress, she heard a familiar voice behind her.

Vergil: "Hmmm..."

Raven: "What is it?" She looked back at him, raising an eyebrow. The white-haired man looked at her, and then pointed to the boy next to him.

Vergil: "It's Yomihime's little cousin. Why is he here also?" In an instant, Raven's expression changed to one of shock as she locked eyes on the boy. It was as she remembered, black hair and that iconic facial structure he had that resembled his father.

Raven: "Akira...?"

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Next Chapter: Unforeseen Complications